What the Congestion Charge Means For You When Driving In The Capital

In the city of London, the congestion charge was introduced in 2003 and at that time the fee was £2 a day for all car users that entered within the congestion charge zone. Not only do car owners have to pay this ridiculous charge for entering into the city of London but also a fee for parking too. In recent years the congestion charging zone has expanded to cover wider area around the city.

##Why is there a congestion charge?

The congestion charge was put in place to reduce traffic build up and pollution in the capital. It was thought that if drivers had to pay to drive into central London, then many would abandon their cars and use public transport instead. Most people who used to drive into Central London have now started to use public transport like the underground tube, train, tram and even buses. Transport for London now makes more money than before because of the congestion charge.

##What areas are the congestion charge applicable?

The current congestion area charge zone is as follows, it starts at the north end of Vauxhall Bridge, heading in the clockwise direction towards the River Thames, along to Chelsea Embankment, it then heads north to the eastern side of Kensington and Earl's Court, part of A3220 and continues to the A40 Westway. North Kensington is included in the congestion charge zone area; the boundary also follows out of Paddington in the direction of Ladbroke Grove.

The congestion charge is only payable between Mondays to Friday 7am - 6pm. You can travel within the area for free outside these times. It is also free on weekends and public holidays. Using Automatic Number Plate Recognition, there are cameras everywhere within the area to check whether or not you have paid. You can pay the charge the day before, on the day through text message, over the phone or certain shops and even the day after. If you choose to pay the day after the charge is slightly higher. If you are caught not paying the correct amount, then you could be fined £60-180 as a penalty. As of 2007, the congestion charge has increased to £8.

##Can you escape the congestion charge?

In a way yes, the congestion charge was only brought in to ease traffic in the area so residents living on the outskirts can still cross through the zone without having to pay the charge. There is a route on the western side near Notting Hill and also on that cuts right down the middle.

Other than this temporary solution, you could also buy a vehicle that is exempt from the charge such as a 'green' car. Motorbikes and taxis (classified under public transport) are also exempt from the charge.